Driving Education

Katie Collins & Aubrey Bennett

Hop in the Apple Car and hit the road with Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett, Alabama's 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year, as they traverse the state in search of the most inspiring voices in education. This podcast blends the spirit of a road trip with the heart of professional development. From K–12 librarians hosting book clubs for kids with special needs to anime-loving educators turning libraries into creative sanctuaries, each episode brings you along for the ride—literally. Traveling in their Chevrolet Traverse (aka the "Apple Car"), Katie and Aubrey pick up dynamic teachers, specialists, and school leaders, bringing them together for real conversations and school visits that highlight what's working—and why it matters. Part storytelling, part mobile PD, all heart—this is a show for anyone passionate about reimagining the future of education, one mile and one conversation at a time.

Episodes

  1. Episode 10: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Driving Education with ALEX

    7 FEB

    Episode 10: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Driving Education with ALEX

    In this episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Hailey Ridgeway from the Alabama State Department of Education — one of the brilliant minds behind ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange). If you've ever felt overwhelmed by standards, lesson planning, or finding high-quality resources that actually fit your students, this episode is for you. Hailey pulls back the curtain on how ALEX has evolved into a powerful, teacher-centered platform — designed to help educators work smarter, not harder. From unpacked standards and vetted resources to collaborative sandboxes, AI-supported lesson planning, and interactive Sparkle activities, ALEX is changing how Alabama educators plan, teach, and collaborate. In this conversation, you'll hear about: How ALEX supports teachers without telling them how to teach Why standards are a guide — not a curriculum The power of collaboration across schools and districts Using AI thoughtfully to support (not replace) teachers Why Alabama educators are trailblazers nationwide This episode is a reminder that teachers are the number one predictor of student success — and the systems supporting them matter. 🎧 If you're an Alabama educator, this is an episode you'll want to bookmark. Featured Guest Hailey Ridgeway Project Director, Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) Alabama State Department of Education Advocate for teacher support and innovation   Resources Mentioned https://alabamalearningexchange.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@TeachWithALEX/playlists

    43 min
  2. Episode 09- Enjoying the Journey: Conversations with Dr. Mackey

    1 FEB

    Episode 09- Enjoying the Journey: Conversations with Dr. Mackey

    In this episode of Driving Education, Katie welcomes Dr. Mackey for a joyful, thoughtful conversation about leadership, perspective, and what it means to show up fully — even when the road is hard. Dr. Mackey brings humor, honesty, and heart as he reflects on leadership, resilience, and the importance of choosing joy in the work of education. From lighthearted moments to meaningful insights, this episode reminds us that how we lead — and how we live — matters just as much as what we accomplish. In this conversation, you'll hear about: Why joy is a leadership strategy, not a bonus Showing up authentically in hard seasons Keeping perspective when the work feels heavy Leading people, not just systems Remembering why education is worth the long drive 🎧 This episode feels like rolling the windows down, turning the music up, and remembering why you started.

    45 min
  3. Episode 08: The Mystery Behind the Milken: Driving Excellence in Education

    21 JAN

    Episode 08: The Mystery Behind the Milken: Driving Excellence in Education

    In this episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey pull back the curtain on one of the most prestigious honors in education — the Milken Educator Award. Often called the "Oscars of Teaching," the Milken is surrounded by secrecy, surprise, and speculation. But behind the mystery is something much deeper: exceptional educators doing extraordinary work every single day — without knowing who is watching. This episode explores: Why the Milken Award is intentionally mysterious What the award truly recognizes (and what it doesn't) The unseen impact of excellent educators How recognition can elevate the profession Why great teaching is about the journey, not the spotlight 🎧This conversation is a reminder that excellence in education doesn't chase awards — it drives change, impact, and opportunity for students.

    52 min
  4. Episode: 07: Leadership Without Limits

    10 JAN

    Episode: 07: Leadership Without Limits

    In this unforgettable episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Dr. Walter Gonsoulin — "Dr. G" — Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, National Superintendent of the Year, and one of U.S. News & World Report's 25 Best Leaders in America. Dr. G shares his extraordinary journey from a sixth-grade classroom in Louisiana to leading one of the largest school districts in Alabama — and onto the national stage. Along the way, he reveals a leadership philosophy rooted in humanity, trust, collaboration, and removing the "box" altogether. Listeners will hear stories that define transformational leadership: How throwing a football eliminated discipline problems Why independence, belonging, and trust change school culture What it means to truly "see" students, teachers, and communities How collaboration across districts unlocked opportunity Why public education matters — and why public is the choice From playground benches to national recognition, this episode is a masterclass in servant leadership, vision, and impact — and a reminder that education is, at its core, about people. 🎧 If you believe in the power of public schools and human-centered leadership, this episode is for you.   Topics Covered From teaching sixth grade to leading a district the size of Rhode Island Why discipline problems disappeared when students were seen The power of collaboration across schools and communities Removing barriers and "no box" leadership Preparing students for real-world careers and opportunities Why public education matters now more than ever Featured Guest Dr. Walter Gonsoulin Superintendent, Jefferson County Schools National Superintendent of the Year U.S. News & World Report Top 25 Leaders in America

    1h 18m
  5. Episode 06: Burgers, Buy-In & the Road to Better Schools

    12/12/2025

    Episode 06: Burgers, Buy-In & the Road to Better Schools

    Katie and Aubrey hit the road with former Alabama Teacher of the Year Jennifer Brown to visit Paul Bryant High School and see how Principal Hines has built a culture of trust, visibility, and growth. From walkthroughs to data tracking to student ownership, this episode is full of practical insight—and a little karaoke. In this episode: Visiting Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa City Schools with Jennifer Brown How Principal Hines builds trust and visibility What daily walkthroughs look like—and why they work Students tracking their ACT pathway data Metacognition and ownership in every classroom The "Praise–Probe–Push" model for effective feedback The culture of celebration and high expectations The importance of teacher self-efficacy Road trip stories, J&J Grocery, and a little karaoke Featured Guest: Jennifer Brown, 2016 Alabama Teacher of the Year and educational consultant with Bailey Education Group Locations Mentioned: Paul Bryant High School J&J Grocery (the best burger in Alabama) Resources & Ideas Discussed: ACT pathway proficiency levels Classroom walkthrough structures Clear learning targets and student reflection Attendance and school culture initiatives

    28 min
  6. Episode 05: Preparing Kids for the Road Ahead: Why Durable Skills Matter

    04/12/2025

    Episode 05: Preparing Kids for the Road Ahead: Why Durable Skills Matter

    What if the "end game" of education isn't test scores or standards—but preparing students to thrive in Alabama's future workforce? Katie and Aubrey dive into that big question with Valerie Curtis, Director of the Jacksonville State Regional Inservice Center. Valerie shares how partnerships with industry, regional STEM ecosystems, and K–12 collaboration are shaping what students need right now to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow. They discuss: Why durable skills (communication, collaboration, adaptability, time management) matter more than ever How Alabama's industries—from logistics to healthcare to aerospace—are rapidly changing Why kids need real-world exposure starting in elementary school How teachers can model thinking, problem-solving, and communication daily What school leaders can invest in right now to move the needle Why every interaction in a classroom shapes Alabama's future Packed with inspiration and practical ideas, this episode reframes workforce development as everyone's job—starting in kindergarten.

    40 min
  7. Episode 04: The Heart Behind the Hardware: Conversations With Alabama's Tech Leaders

    27/11/2025

    Episode 04: The Heart Behind the Hardware: Conversations With Alabama's Tech Leaders

    In this episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey ride along with Alabama's top tech leaders to explore how instructional technology is really about people—not devices. You'll hear from Angie Clark, Katie Maddox, and Molly Evans as they share stories of innovation, collaboration, unplugged backups, 3D printing prosthetics, and the human connections that make teaching powerful. Their message is clear: technology can enhance learning, but it will never replace the relationships that change students' lives. Angie Clark, Region 7 Technology in Motion Specialist; Katie Maddox, Director of Instructional Technology for Chilton County Schools; and Molly Evans, Enrichment Specialist for Hoover City Schools. The evolution of classroom technology (iPads, Google Classroom, Chromebooks) What technology can and cannot replace The importance of in-person collaboration among tech leaders How Alabama's edtech network (ALET & ATIM) supports schools Building teacher confidence and encouraging risk-taking Preparing for outages with unplugged backup plans Real-world learning through 3D printing and biomedical engineering Why students need to "see themselves in the real world" The balance between innovation and student safety Human connection as the foundation of all teaching Key Quote: "Technology can enhance teaching — but it will never, ever replace the human behind it."

    31 min
  8. Episode 03-Students Driving Independence: The Let Grow Experience

    20/11/2025

    Episode 03-Students Driving Independence: The Let Grow Experience

    In this inspiring episode of Driving Education, Katie and Aubrey take a deep dive into the Let Grow Experience—a simple but powerful approach that builds childhood independence and reduces anxiety. Katie shares how she piloted the Let Grow Experience with her first graders after learning that the antidote to anxiety is independence. The transformation in her classroom sparked interest across Alabama… including at Hoover High School, where student leaders decided to take the movement and run with it. This episode features an energizing, authentic conversation with Hoover High's SGA President, Tyler Gullahorn, Senior Class President, Matthew Pitts, and JCO President, Hudson Jackman, along with their teacher sponsor, Jamey Nowlin. Together, they share: • What Let Grow looks like inside a high school • Why independence matters for mental health • How students are creating their own goals — and competing to tackle them • What happened when they introduced the movement to middle schoolers • The real-world skills students realized they don't know yet • How this is reshaping classrooms, leadership, and even parenting From changing car batteries to navigating doctor's offices to reflecting on screen time, Hoover's students show what happens when young people are trusted, challenged, and empowered. 🎧 This episode is proof: when we "let go and let grow," kids rise  — and the culture shifts.

    53 min
  9. Episode 02-Driving Away Anxiety: Mental Health, Connection and Resiliency with Lisa Keane

    12/11/2025

    Episode 02-Driving Away Anxiety: Mental Health, Connection and Resiliency with Lisa Keane

    In this powerful episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Lisa Keane — a licensed professional counselor, play therapist, and trauma expert — for a timely conversation about mental health in schools and what educators can do to support students and themselves. Lisa shares insight from her 18 years of experience working with children and families, explaining how attachment, regulation, and connection play critical roles in learning. Together, Katie and Lisa explore: Why anxiety is higher than ever among students How "felt safety" impacts learning and behavior The importance of failure, independence, and resilience What educators can do to show up as regulated, grounded adults Simple, free tools like the Let Grow Experience that empower kids to take healthy risks Aubrey joins in to reflect on the conversation — unpacking lessons on self-care, trust, and the idea that failure really is the best teacher. 🎧 Join us for real talk about the challenges facing today's classrooms and the hope that comes from connection, courage, and community.

    33 min
  10. Episode 01- Meet Katie and Aubrey: Stories Behind the Wheel

    05/11/2025

    Episode 01- Meet Katie and Aubrey: Stories Behind the Wheel

    In this first full episode of Driving Education, get to know Alabama's 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year — Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett — as they share their journeys, inspirations, and classroom philosophies. From elementary to high school, from two different large school districts, Katie and Aubrey open up about what drew them into teaching, what keeps them inspired, and how they're working to amplify the voices of educators across Alabama. They talk about the power of connection, the importance of being "known" in the classroom, and the shared mission that drives all teachers — helping students grow, belong, and thrive. Join the conversation, laugh along, and find hope in the real, unfiltered stories of two teachers who believe in the heart and future of education. Let's keep driving education forward — together.

    29 min
  11. Intro: Meet Katie & Aubrey — The Teachers Behind the Wheel

    29/10/2025

    Intro: Meet Katie & Aubrey — The Teachers Behind the Wheel

    Welcome to Driving Education! In this first ride, Alabama Teachers of the Year Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett hop in the Apple Car (yes, it really has a giant apple on it 🍎) and share how this whole podcast adventure began. From fantasy football and karaoke favorites to heartfelt conversations about what drives educators forward, Katie and Aubrey open up about their shared passion for teaching, connection, and mental health. Come along as they tell the story behind Driving Education — a podcast born from curiosity, collaboration, and a Chevy Traverse full of heart. Buckle up… it's going to be a meaningful ride.

    12 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Hop in the Apple Car and hit the road with Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett, Alabama's 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year, as they traverse the state in search of the most inspiring voices in education. This podcast blends the spirit of a road trip with the heart of professional development. From K–12 librarians hosting book clubs for kids with special needs to anime-loving educators turning libraries into creative sanctuaries, each episode brings you along for the ride—literally. Traveling in their Chevrolet Traverse (aka the "Apple Car"), Katie and Aubrey pick up dynamic teachers, specialists, and school leaders, bringing them together for real conversations and school visits that highlight what's working—and why it matters. Part storytelling, part mobile PD, all heart—this is a show for anyone passionate about reimagining the future of education, one mile and one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Collins & Aubrey Bennett
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Driving Education
  • Provider